The Sky Blues are the first Premier League club to have made a offer for the 20-year-old winger, but could face stiff competition from Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Real Madrid in the coming days.

Sterling still has two years remaining on his current contract at Anfield, but a bid closer to £60million will test the Merseyside club resolve to hang onto a player, who already made it clear that he wants to leave the club to play elsewhere next season.